Inter Miami show they can ‘do it without’ Lionel Messi & Luis Suarez as Julian Gressel & Leo Afonso react to losing ‘best players in the history of their position’ to Copa America

The Herons knew heading into the 2024 MLS campaign that they would be losing two talismanic figures to the Copa America midway through their domestic season. Messi was never going to turn down the chance to defend a continental crown with Argentina, while Suarez has been drafted back into the Uruguay squad.

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Inter Miami battled their way to a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union without the two all-time greats at their disposal – and after being reduced to nine men – and USMNT star Julian Gressel sees that as a positive. He has said: “This is our time to keep the train rolling; we want to be top of the Supporters Shield standings at the end of the season and every game is a big part of that. (I'm) just trying to emphasize that and trying to make it clear to the guys that it's our time and we can do it without those guys as well.”

Leo Afonso was the Herons’ hero in Philly, as he netted a 94th-minute winner, and he has said of adjusting to life without Messi and Suarez in Tata Martino’s side: “It’s difficult when you’re missing the best players in the history in their position, but we have to keep working and we have to try our best.”

Messi and Suarez could be missing for several weeks yet, with Copa America yet to get underway, but Inter Miami remain at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference for now. They will be back in action on Wednesday when playing host to the Columbus Crew.